Francisco López is rarely seen in live improvisation settings. Yet, the liner notes for Quartet for the End of Space state that the album is based on recordings made at a live quartet performance and several studio improvisation sessions. Out of these recordings, the four artists have drawn materials to compose two electroacoustic pieces each. I’m quite fond of Doug Van Nort’s two contributions: they are complex but not overworked. Pauline Oliveros’ two pieces are also quite strong, especially “Mercury Retrograde” and its mysterious inner workings. Francisco López’s two contributions are less mystifiying than usual, although the abrupt ending of “untitled #273” is definitely his.

A second album (or am I mistaken?) for this quartet led by saxman Aram Shelton, with Kason Adasiewicz (vibes), Jason Roebke (doublebass) and Tim Daisy (drums). More consistent than the first CD. Very jazzy, quite powerful, Adasiewicz’s flowing playing smoothing out the alto sax’s asperities. A honest studio album.

More creative, pumped up and interesting than Arrive is this other quartet featuring Aram Shelton, although he is not the leader this time. Cylinder is a collective project between Shelton, trumpeter Darren Johnston, bassist Lisa Mezzacappa, and drummer Kjell Nordeson. All four compose for the group. Gorgeous exchanges between trumpet and sax, a gutsy rhythm section, and spirited writing that hits where it hurts (and it feels good). I like.

A final impulse-buying item from FIMAV 2011: a trio led by Jaap Blonk with reedsman Bart van der Putten and guitarist Paul Pallesen. A double CD set of Blonk compositions. Blonk plays lots of electronics, and his voice rarely becomes the centre of attention; it is rather used as an instrument, perfectly integrated to the ensemble. The compositions are long, leave room for free improvisation, yet follow a specific direction. Rather quiet and subtle overall. This album is not an easy listen, but worth investigating further in time.